Flights resume in Istanbul after fatal attack

The first departures took off from Istanbul’s Ataturk international airport, as the major international transit hub partially resumed operations following a deadly attack that killed 41 people.

Planes had already begun landing just before dawn on Wednesday, after the airport – one of the largest in the region – had been totally shut for several hours following the attack the previous evening which was focused on the arrivals terminal.

Delays remained widespread after hundreds of flights were cancelled or postponed immediately after the attack.

Turkish Airlines, which had to cancel more than 340 flights, was offering refunds or alternative tickets, but there still was chaos for many travellers.

The attack comes as Turkey’s key tourism sector is already being battered in recent months by terrorist attacks and a diplomatic row with Russia.

The number of foreign visitors decreased by 35 per cent in May, the latest in a string of steep monthly declines.

The building’s exterior and interior had suffered some damage in the multiple explosions and gunfights between police and the assailants.

Three suicide bombers struck on Tuesday around 9.20pm (0420 AEST Wednesday), killing 41 people besides themselves and leaving an estimated 147 wounded, with foreign nationals among the dead and injured, officials said.

Witnesses reported explosions and gunfire at different points in the international area of the airport.

Islamic State was the primary suspect, said Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, who visited the airport overnight and announced it open to inbound and outbound flights.

The first departures took off from Istanbul's Ataturk international airport, as the major international transit hub partially resumed operations following a deadly attack that killed 41 people.
Planes had already begun landing just before dawn on Wednesday, after the airport - one of the largest in the region - had...